White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre terminated Thursday’s press conference abruptly in response to a reporter’s request to be called on, which Jean-Pierre frequently disregards.
John Kirby, coordinator of strategic communications for the National Security Council, attended the press conference and commented on President Joe Biden’s reception of Angolan President João Lourenco at the White House.
Kirby was interrupted by Today News Africa’s Simon Ateba as he attempted to pose a query.
“It’s a shame that @WhiteHouse @PressSec Karine Jean-Pierre decided to abruptly end the press briefing rather than take a question from me after a year. Even when President Biden is hosting an African leader like the President of Angola today, the White House does not take a question from the African journalist in the room.” Ateba wrote on X.
“I am highly disappointed and even heartbroken that in the citadel of democracy, and in the most powerful house in the world, I’m being discriminated against for a year for trying to do my job while journalist colleagues remain silent,” he continued.
As Ateba persisted in attempting to speak, Jean-Pierre decided to terminate the press briefing immediately. She declined any further inquiries.
Jean-Pierre and Ateba have a long and acrimonious history in the press room, with the two frequently clashing over politics.
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